Reptile · Centrochelys sulcata · typical adult weight 1.00–40.00 kg
Acyclovir is dosed at 80 mg/kg PO q8h in sulcata tortoises, per McArthur S. Problem solving approach to common diseases of terrestrial and semi-aquatic chelonians. In: McArthur S, Wilkinson R, Meyer J, eds. Medicine and Surgery of Tortoises and Turtles; Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, UK; 2004:309-377. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.220 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.2 (Antiviral Agents Used in Reptiles). Acyclovir is used in sulcata tortoises for Herpesvirus infection. Routes documented in sulcata tortoises: PO. A typical adult sulcata tortoise weighs 1.00–40.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Acyclovir in sulcata tortoises, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Zovirax
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 80 mg/kg | q8h | Herpesvirus infection | Weak | McArthur S. Problem solving approach to common diseases of terrestrial and semi-aquatic chelonians. In: McArthur S, Wilkinson R, Meyer J, eds. Medicine and Surgery of Tortoises and Turtles; Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, UK; 2004:309-377. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.220 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.2 (Antiviral Agents Used in Reptiles).Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
Every held source for this drug and species, as printed. Where they differ, both are shown — the choice is yours, not ours.
The sources disagree for this combination. The ranges below do not overlap on a comparable route. This is not an error in one of them — published veterinary references differ, and reconciling them for a particular patient is a clinical judgement.
| Dose (%) | Route | Source | As printed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | TOPICAL | Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th edTable 4.2 | Topical (5% ointment) q12h |
| 5 | — | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.1 | al (5% ointment) q12h88 All species/antiviral (i.e., herpesvirus-associated dermatitis) |
| Dose (mg/kg) | Route | Source | As printed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | PO |
Typical range: 1–40 kg
If provided, volume will be calculated alongside dose.
Reference only. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Nucleoside analog selectively phosphorylated by viral thymidine kinase. Inhibits viral DNA polymerase. Active against herpesviruses.
Used for equine herpesvirus and some avian herpesviruses. Limited efficacy for FHV-1 in cats (famciclovir preferred). Nephrotoxicity with IV form — ensure hydration. Crystalluria.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for sulcata tortoises may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Acyclovir dose range in sulcata tortoises, with cited source references: PO 80 mg/kg q8h. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Acyclovir in sulcata tortoises: PO.
Acyclovir is indicated in sulcata tortoises for: Herpesvirus infection.
These are general warnings for Acyclovir across species; consult the sulcata tortoise dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Used for equine herpesvirus and some avian herpesviruses. Limited efficacy for FHV-1 in cats (famciclovir preferred). Nephrotoxicity with IV form — ensure hydration. Crystalluria.
Why a species-specific page? Acyclovir pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in sulcata tortoises — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.
| Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th edTable 4.2 |
| 80 mg/kg PO q8h or 240 mg/kg PO q24h |
| 240 | PO | Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th edTable 4.2 | 80 mg/kg PO q8h or 240 mg/kg PO q24h |
| 240 | PO | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.1 | /kg PO q8h, or 240 mg/kg PO q24h219 /kg PO q24h255 /kg PO q24h58 Tortoises/herpesvirus; uncertain efficacy; unlikely to eliminate infection; combine with supportive care Mediterran |
Figures are transcribed from the cited page or table of each held edition and are shown for reference only. They are not dose recommendations, they do not feed the calculator, and none has been reviewed by a veterinarian.